Ralph Franklin Blair Obituary (1933

Ralph Franklin Blair, 74, a resident of the forest Grove community, passed away peacefully, Thursday morning, January 10, 2008 of Parkinson's disease. Cremation has taken place. Upon Ralph's request his ashes will be scattered over the warm Caribbean Ocean. Say Hello to Ralph whenever you are on this body of water. Ralph was born on December 10, 1933 in Sweethome, Oregon to Ann (Sylvester) and Ralph Blair. He lived with his family in Ontario, CA. where he attended grade school, middle school and high school. After Graduation from high school he attended Chaffey College in CA. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956 as a SP3 He was united in marriage to his soul mate, Betty Trost in 1957. This past March they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary together with close friends and family. Following their marriage they lived in California, then to North Bend, OR and in 1977 they moved to Cornelius, OR. Following retirement they moved to Lake Havasu, AZ. In August of 2007 they moved back to Forest Grove to be closer to their daughter, Sandra. When Ralph was first married he had worked as a System analyst but his passion had always been becoming a police officer. He applied and was hired as a California Highway Patrolman (CHP) in California until he became a Sheriff for Coos County in 1970. He was hired as the Cornelius Chief of Police in 1977 and had held that position for 14 years until he retired in 1991. Ralph always had a passion to work with people and to help people out. Survivors include his wife Betty of the family home in Forest Grove, OR, two daughters and a son-in-law; Michelle Blair of Lake Havasu, AZ., Sandra and Karl Usher of Hillsboro, OR, two granddaughters; Ariel Usher and Erika Peters both of Hillsboro, a great grandson; Mason Carter, a brother; Jack Blair of Pomona, CA., and numerous other relatives and friends. The family wishes donations to be placed in Ralph's name to a charity of one's choice.